'Awareness of endometriosis is a must'

Namrata Devikar

Friday, 30 March 2018

It can be reason for period pains in women

Pune: While many women suffer from pre and post menstrual pain, most of them decide to ignore it instead of consulting a gynaecologist for treatment. Doctors suggest that extreme pain in the pelvic region and the lower abdomen before, during or after menstruation can be because of endometriosis.

Endometriosis occurs when bits of the tissue that lines the uterus, that is, endometrium, grow on other pelvic organs, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Endometriosis pain occurs just before, during, or after menstruation which is also a common symptom.

The month of March is observed as the Endometriosis month worldwide. City doctors share the need for more awareness about endometriosis among women. According to doctors, 25 per cent women affected with infertility also suffer from endometriosis.

However, awareness about this among women is low in India, stated Dr Nishikant Shrotri, President of Pune Obstetric and Gynecological Society (POGS).

“We cannot estimate the number of women suffering from this in India because period pain is considered normal. Many women ignore the pain. Hence, there is a lot of need for awareness. We should spread the word as endometriosis is one of the leading reasons for infertility among women,” said Shrotri.

Shrotri said treatment is possible by both, medicinal and surgical ways.

“It is possible to get relief from this pain. However, many women do not realise that this is a condition,” said Dr Shrotri.

Global studies show that 176 million women in the world have endometriosis. Also, one in 10 women gets affected by endometriosis during their reproductive years that is between the age of 15 and 49 years. The ‘Global Study of Women’s Health’ conducted in 16 centres in ten countries showed two-thirds of women seeking help for their symptoms before the age of 30, many experiencing symptoms from their first period.

Speaking about the symptoms, Dr Mamta Dighe, a Pune-based gynaecologist, said there is excruciating pain which does not let the woman lead a normal life.

“In the general population 10 per cent of all women suffer from this. This pain is not easily relieved despite medication. Also, the pain cannot let you carry out normal work. Other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, backache are likely to be present. Another symptom is bleeding from the rectum during periods. A common symptom is recurrent pre-menstrual spotting. The person should consult a doctor for help if they suffer from these symptoms,” said Dr Dighe.

Consult the doctor
The month of March is observed as the Endometriosis month worldwide.

Endometriosis occurs when bits of the tissue that lines the uterus, that is, endometrium, grow on other pelvic organs, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Endometriosis pain occurs just before, during, or after menstruation which is also a common symptom.

According to doctors, 25 per cent women affected with infertility also suffer from endometriosis.

The ‘Global Study of Women’s Health’ conducted in 16 centres in ten countries showed two-thirds of women seeking help for their symptoms before the age of 30, many experiencing symptoms from their first period.